Category Archives: Author’s Back Injury

Well it’s been about 11 days since I received the epidural injection and it seems that helped a little. It’s not 100%, but there is a slight improvment. My doctor says he gives 3 shots in a 6 month period. My current treatment options are exercise, physical therapy, epidural injections, and pain medication. I wouldn’t consider back surgery unless it got to the point where I was not capable doing my normal daily activities such as school and work, which requires a lot of walking and standing.

As of now the pain, discomfort, and numbness I feel is tolerable on most days with pain medication. It seems that if I keep my body moving the pain isn’t as bad as being stationary for a long period of time. Like if I were to stand at the sink doing dishes, that is more painful than walking around. Sleeping for more than 5 hours tends to give my back some issues too. I think I need a firmer mattress for my back because I wake up everyday with back aches on top of the pinched nerve.

Today I have received for my 4th epidural injection in my lumbar spine. I have herniated discs in the L4 L5 S1 of the spine. The first 3 times he gave me the the shot in the L4. Most of my pain is in my butt area and into my left leg. I asked if he could give the shot directly into the L5 S1 disc this time. So that’s where I received it and now I’m just waiting for the soreness to go away and see if there is any relief. The first 3 shots only worked for a few days, I’m really hoping this one works. If this one doesn’t at least last for a month or two, there would obviously be no reason to get anymore.

Currently I’m undergoing Physical Therapy, Pain Medication, and just received my 4th epidural injection. I’m not at the point where I can’t go about my daily activities, but I definitely had to make adjustments to the way I do things and my lifestyle. The level of pain changes daily; most of the time I can tolerate it. I do get fatigued easily and sometimes just need to lay on my back or sit down for a bit due. I also have some numbness in my lower left leg and foot.

I originally injured my back from weight training with heavy squats. I haven’t weight trained in about 1.5 years, under doctor’s orders. I actually haven’t exercised in that long either. I’m thinking of starting some type of light aerobics just to get back in shape and for overall health. Anyone have any suggestions? I decided to discontinue heavy weight training. I may do a few light weight exercises but nothing overhead that is going to compress my spine.